Shamanism

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Journeying the Politics of Ecstasy
http://chass.colostate-pueblo.edu/natrel/pom/old/POM6a2.html
Subtitled "Anthropological Perspectives on Neoshamanism", this article by Robert J. Wallis, from the University of Southampton is a thoughtful and fairly balanced analysis of new age approaches to shamanism, especially Michael Harner's "core shamanism" approach. Wallis enumerates the many ways in which Harner neoshamanism breaks with the traditions it is supposedly based on -- such as glossing over the very real dangers of shamanic practices, promising instant results, and positing shamanism as a spiritual path that is open to everyone rather than just the few who are chosen by the spirits -- but he also points out some possible positive aspects of the movement as well. Recommended reading for anyone with an interest in shamanism, traditional or modern.

Metista Teachings & Techniques
http://metista.com/
An exceptionally sensible and down-to-earth take on neo-shamanism, cynical and visionary by turns. The section entitled "In Sacred Integrity" is an appeallingly calm and balanced, but still firm stance on the cultural appropriation issue, and the 12-part essay "So You Wanna Be A Shaman" is wonderful. I especially liked the fact that the author refuses to label himself as a shaman, but says he rather prefers being called "that 'Crazy old Coot on the Hill' or an 'Owit-towit-ai-at'. ('One Who Intentionally Travels To Other Worlds In Trance And Isn't A Twinkie.')"

Shamanism (on Deoxy.org)
http://deoxy.org/shaman.htm
This is a section of the Deoxyribonucleic Hyperdimension, a large, diverse and somewhat bizarre site, other portions of which are reviewed elsewhere on Wild Ideas. It contains two very in-depth FAQs on shamanism from the soc.religion.shamanism newsgroup, plus a lot of material on the use of "entheogens" (mind-altering plants used religiously) in shamanism, particularly Ayahuasca. While the latter, in my view, definitely falls into the category of "Don't try this at home, kids," the FAQs are very well worth reading, and there are also a ton of links to resources on both traditional and neo-shamanism.